Vets See Rise Of Dementia In Pets
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ?
Pets are a big part of the family for millions of Americans and just like humans, pets are living longer.
Now, veterinarians say they're seeing more cases of dementia in pets, but how you can spot the signs and what you can do about it?
"She was a member of the family almost instantly. She had her own personality. We had other dogs, but she joined right in and became one of us real quick," pet owner Andy Oshop said.
There's an inexplicable bond between pet owners and their animals.
"If I'm there watching TV, I've got two of them usually there right around me and that's the way I like it," Linda Oshop said.
Andy Oshop bought a cocker spaniel puppy named Samantha for his wife 16 years ago as an anniversary present. Lately, the Beaver County couple noticed subtle changes in her behavior.
The Oshops now have to carry the dog outside and put her out in the grass and carry her back inside because she wouldn't find her way back in.
Dr. Mike Hutchinson calls that a classic sign of cognitive dysfunction or dementia.
"They'll start barking at strangers, or they won't greet you the same. They won't wag their tail. They won't give you that famous hello when you come into the house. They act like they are not interested, they aren't barking when someone comes to the door," Dr. Hutchinson said.
Samantha used to chase a ball up and down the steps, but now even that is dangerous after a recent fall.
Research at U.C.-Davis in California suggests as many as 39 percent of aging dogs show at least one sign of dementia. Veterinary research suggests this so-called doggy dementia isn't much different than Alzheimer's disease in humans.
"They found that they had the same plaques with protein -- amyloid -- that was blocking these neurotransmitters or these chemicals in the brain from sending messages between the cells, so it was the exact same problem we are seeing in people," Dr. Hutchinson said.
Dr. Hutchinson said dementia tends to be more prevalent in smaller breeds, largely because they live longer. He believes what we feed our pets can make a big difference.
For the Oshops, they are enjoying the time they have with their beloved pet.
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Now, veterinarians say they're seeing more cases of dementia in pets, but how you can spot the signs and what you can do about it?
"She was a member of the family almost instantly. She had her own personality. We had other dogs, but she joined right in and became one of us real quick," pet owner Andy Oshop said.
There's an inexplicable bond between pet owners and their animals.
"If I'm there watching TV, I've got two of them usually there right around me and that's the way I like it," Linda Oshop said.
Andy Oshop bought a cocker spaniel puppy named Samantha for his wife 16 years ago as an anniversary present. Lately, the Beaver County couple noticed subtle changes in her behavior.
The Oshops now have to carry the dog outside and put her out in the grass and carry her back inside because she wouldn't find her way back in.
Dr. Mike Hutchinson calls that a classic sign of cognitive dysfunction or dementia.
"They'll start barking at strangers, or they won't greet you the same. They won't wag their tail. They won't give you that famous hello when you come into the house. They act like they are not interested, they aren't barking when someone comes to the door," Dr. Hutchinson said.
Samantha used to chase a ball up and down the steps, but now even that is dangerous after a recent fall.
Research at U.C.-Davis in California suggests as many as 39 percent of aging dogs show at least one sign of dementia. Veterinary research suggests this so-called doggy dementia isn't much different than Alzheimer's disease in humans.
"They found that they had the same plaques with protein -- amyloid -- that was blocking these neurotransmitters or these chemicals in the brain from sending messages between the cells, so it was the exact same problem we are seeing in people," Dr. Hutchinson said.
Dr. Hutchinson said dementia tends to be more prevalent in smaller breeds, largely because they live longer. He believes what we feed our pets can make a big difference.
For the Oshops, they are enjoying the time they have with their beloved pet.
